COUPLES TELL HOW TO KEEP LOVE FOR LIFE.Byline: Cecilia Chan Staff Writer WOODLAND HILLS - Mary Blankenship talked Sunday about the ingredients that have kept her marriage going strong for almost 70 years. ``Oh, give and take and faith, honesty with each other,'' the 89-year-old West Hills resident said. ``Be honest with each other all the time - no secrets.'' Her 95-year-old husband, Berdeen Blankenship, told his own secret for the happy marriage. ``Just listen to her, what she has to say,'' the retired mechanic said about a good wife. ``Obey.'' The Blankenships were one of 230 couples who on Sunday celebrated marriages that so far average 45 years each. They renewed their vows while about 1,000 guests watched at St. Mel Church. Cardinal Roger Mahony His Eminence Roger Michael Cardinal Mahony (born February 27, 1936) is an American prelate of the Roman Catholic Church. He currently serves as the fourth Archbishop of Los Angeles, and was elevated to the cardinalate in 1991. presided over the annual World Marriage Day ceremony recognizing couples celebrating 25, 50 or more years of marriage. Blankenship met her husband at a ballroom dance ballroom dance European and American social dancing performed by couples. It includes standard dances such as the fox-trot, waltz, polka, tango, Charleston, jitterbug, and merengue. a year before they were married on April 13, 1932. Their family includes 13 children, 51 grandchildren GRANDCHILDREN, domestic relations. The children of one's children. Sometimes these may claim bequests given in a will to children, though in general they can make no such claim. 6 Co. 16. , 84 great-grandchildren and 22 great-great-grandchildren. ``First of all they have 13 children; they had to stay together,'' joked daughter Ann Vinton of Calabasas, a St. Mel parishioner. ``We grew up in a very loving home and a Christian home,'' she added in a more serious tone. ``And we prayed. The family that prays together stays together, and we did.'' The Los Angeles Los Angeles (lôs ăn`jələs, lŏs, ăn`jəlēz'), city (1990 pop. 3,485,398), seat of Los Angeles co., S Calif.; inc. 1850. Archdiocese arch·di·o·cese n. The district under an archbishop's jurisdiction. arch  di·oc began celebrating silver and golden
anniversaries 25 years ago. In 1982, a celebration honoring the lifelong
commitment of married couples became a worldwide event.
Next year, the diocesan di·oc·e·san adj. Of or relating to a diocese. n. The bishop of a diocese. diocesan Adjective of or relating to a diocese Noun 1. celebration will be held at the new Roman Catholic cathedral in downtown Los Angeles Downtown Los Angeles is the central business district of Los Angeles, California, located close to the geographic center of the metropolitan area. The sprawling, multi-centered megacity is such that its downtown core is often considered just another district like Hollywood or , church officials said. Sunday marked the last time the celebration was held in a parish church. Cardinal Mahony blessed the couples Sunday and told them to ``rejoice in your commitment to one another.'' Later, at a reception with cake, couples lined up to have their pictures taken with the cardinal. Celebrating alongside the Blankenships were their son Dick Blankenship, 68, and his wife, Janice, married for 50 years. The Green Valley couple has 12 children, 24 grandchildren and seven great-grandchildren. Dick Blankenship said it was his blessing to celebrate the occasion with his parents. Janice, 66, said her mother-in-law has been her inspiration for a successful marriage. ``I think she is so simple and sincere and loving,'' she said. Watching her mother-in-law, she saw the value of lovingly spending time "Spending Time" is the first single released by Christian artist Stellar Kart. The lyrics describe the band members desire to spend "more time with God". "Sometimes it’s a real struggle to spend time with God. with a husband. ``If he wants to go around the block, go for a walk just to be with him.'' CAPTION(S): 2 photos Photo: (1) Gloria and Herbert Boxhorn, married for 60 years, hold hands as they and 229 other couples renew their vows Sunday. (2) Mary and Berdeen Blankenship, married 70 years, kiss. Michael Owen
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